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Now that breakthrough technology has turned science fiction into reality, join the first public expedition to Mars in search of water and life.

Earthwatch is thrilled to announce our most exciting research endeavor yet: a voyage to a truly unexplored frontier (we’re not counting robots like the Mars Rover as explorers).

You'll spend your days hiking through meteor craters and Earth-gazing, all while looking for signs of water and life. Sure, the environment is harsh—an average temperature of about -50 degrees Fahrenheit, winds occasionally getting up to 500 miles per hour, and the whole lack of oxygen thing—but it’s also one of the most exciting spots for science ever.

Join intergalactically experienced researcher Dr. Marvin Martin as he scours this mysterious planet for evidence of water. You'll measure environmental conditions and collect any evidence of native microorganisms that you stumble across as you’re trying to walk in giant space boots over some of the bumpiest terrain in the galaxy.

You'll depart from Cape Canaveral in Florida on the most exciting journey of your life.

The facts

Why the research is important

Why the research is important

No human has ever set foot on Mars. It's kind of a big deal.

Billions of years ago, Mars and Earth had lots in common.

Scientists already know that Mars has polar ice caps and clouds in its atmosphere. They also think that billions years ago it looked more like Earth did: it had a warmer and wetter environment, an environment that could have harbored life. No, we're not talking little green men—we're talking microbes. And researchers think that some of these microorganisms could even be alive today, if the planet still has any water.

Scientists also want to understand how Mars shifted from a place that could have sustained life to the harsh environment it is now. When did this shift happen, and how? Could Mars ever become hospitable for life again?

Be among the first people to set off into the stars in search of answers. While other philanthropist billionaires are testing supersonic flights to the outer edge of Earth’s atmosphere, with Earthwatch, you’ll zip past the Moon and toward the stars in search of answers.

Yes, this is a big time commitment: the flight to the rendezvous point will take anywhere from 150 to 300 days. But who’s counting? You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that a few years of your life is totally worth it to potentially discover life on Mars.

About the research area

Mars, United States, North America & Arctic

Mars, the fourth planet away from the Sun in the Milky Way Galaxy, may be the most remote place you ever get a chance to visit. Seriously. If you're looking for peace and quiet, this is the expedition for you.

What the planet lacks in cultural attractions, it makes up for in natural grandeur. Take in the red-hued views from the rim of one of its many impact craters, or from the slopes of one of its inactive volcanoes. Or gaze at Phobos and Deimos, the Martian moons that bear more resemblance to asteroids than to Earth's moon.

If you’re the adventurous type, now’s your chance to one-up all Earthling mountain climbers by trekking up Olympus Mons, the highest mountain humans have found in our solar system.

Bring layers—nights can get as cold as -225 degrees Fahrenheit. On the positive side, you won't need bug spray!

A day on Mars lasts about 40 minutes longer than a day on Earth, so this expedition will be 2.8% more productive than all of our Earth-based ones! You’ll wake up early and put on all your space gear (pretty important in a place where the atmosphere contains only trace amounts of oxygen) and hit the (nonexistent) road to do research.
While hiking through the Martian desert, you’ll:

• Get the dirt: Collect rock and air samples to bring back to Earth for analysis.
• Create the first Martian weather report: Measure environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and barometric pressure.
• Keep your eyes open: Scan the surface of Mars to strengthen our maps of its volcanoes, canyons, craters, and other features.

Can you imagine how exciting it’ll be if your team finds evidence of water or microbes? Of course, you won’t get to tell anyone about it for a few years—communications with Earth are limited—but think of the personal satisfaction.

Note:The general inhospitality to human life may lead to changes in the itinerary and research activities. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is valid April 1-8, 2014. You must use the promotional code online upon sign-up. This offer is not valid for expeditions shorter than five days, and cannot be combined with any other offer. Existing reservations with Earthwatch are not eligible for this offer. Earthwatch reserves the right to modify this offer at any time without notice. Earthwatch Expeditions may be tax deductible on Mars and in the United States.

ABOUT Marvin Martin

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations and Food

Sleep in cabins constructed of space junk.

No water for showers, but plenty of dry ice.

Eat freeze-dried delicacies.

Stay in cabins constructed of vintage space junk within charmingly rustic roofed-off craters. There’s no running water, and you have a better chance of getting SciFi than WiFi, but the views make up for what your accommodations lack in luxury.

Our home base is near Utopia Planitia, the largest impact crater humans have found in the solar system. After a day of research, you can sit back and relax with a Tang or a cold beer (Mars is BYOB). Be sure to let us know if you figure out a good way to drink through your space helmet.

Take in the view from the crater’s edge, and on a clear evening, catch one of the greatest meteor showers the galaxy has to offer. You won’t wanna miss a thing.

Astronaut Ice Cream

Freeze-dried ice cream has most of the water removed from it and requires no refrigeration. It's delicious!